Your Likes make Audible better!

Publisher's Summary

An exhilarating journey into the mind and spirit of a remarkable man, a legendary teacher, and a masterful storyteller, conducted by TV journalist Bill Moyers for their acclaimed PBS series.

Program One: "The Hero's Adventure"Program Two: "The Message of the Myth"Program Three: "The First Storytellers"Program Four: "Sacrifice and Bliss"Program Five: "Love and the Goddess"Program Six: "Masks of Eternity"

What the Critics Say

"Those familiar with the six-part PBS series on Joseph Campbell will especially enjoy this audio production. Moyers follows the same format as the TV series: The journalist plies the tuning fork to the teacher's mind, and we listen as Campbell waxes rhapsodic on the hero, the nature of myth, storytelling, the goddess, and finally what we understand of eternity. The dialogue, like the video, is filled with Campbell's wonderful stories and punctuated with illustrative sound clips, ranging from Star Wars to the Oum prayer of Tibetan monks. This production goes into greater depth than the video text, focusing more on Campbell's exciting ideas than his personality and work. Dialogue, of course, is the best format for ideas, and Campbell's insights into myth and religion are a most refreshing response to our age, so deeply troubled with the clashing voices of religious fundamentalism. Let's listen again to Joseph Campbell." (AudioFile)

I first heard this as I was just out of college and trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life and where I stood from a spiritual/religious perspective. I can't overstate the impact this series had on my career path and personal development.

Now, some 17 years later, I gave it another listen and I hear a whole new set of lessons relevant to my life as an established professional and continuing seeker of wisdom and personal growth.

I've listened to a lot of audiobooks in my time (200?) and have loved a heap but there are only a couple others I would even consider giving five stars. I reserve that for "classics" and I would give that status to "The Power of Myth."

Joseph Campbell's quiet wisdom and Bill Moyers astute questions are life changing for the interested listener. What I love most about Campbell is that he doesn't *stop* teaching, he's a conduit, the opposite of the self titled "inspirational" speaker. He shares his knowledge without advising what one should draw from it. Almost magically, far more than facts alone, his words stay alive. The have the potential to completely transform the listeners life experience, yet each one will create something different from what he says.

While not really a book, this interview series is stunningly good. An unbiased and expansive examination of the human experience, as exemplified through our collective mythos and archetypes.

Those who have dogmatic approaches to life or morality may have a lot of trouble with the concepts discussed, at length, in this series. However, those enthralled by the concept of cyclical representations of religions and mythologies (a line that is perilously nudged repeatedly) will find a fascinating experience.

Sometimes you like a book for its plot, sometimes for its characters, sometimes the locality will seduce you. But to read Joseph Campbell is a treat for the soul, and you read (or listen) to his stories for its words; like chocolate for the mind, food for the soul. This particular book talks about myths and how man has one basic idea or awe and in order to make sense of it, turns it into a god or goddess. We may think our religiousness is unique to our race or ethnicity, but Campbell explains to us that it's the same basic universal idea just blended around to fit our individual circumstance. I watched the original PBS series, and it's a joy to find this keepsake.

What made the experience of listening to The Power of Myth: Programs 1-6 the most enjoyable?

Most definitley the quality and faithfulness to the original Television broadcast specials. Originally I watched this series during a Mythology course in High School and have been looking for it ever since.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The conversation between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell comes off as both authentic and organic in approach yet guided enough to provided insight and clarity on the stories, myths and legends gone over.

Which scene was your favorite?

Joseph Campbell began his mythological fascination with the stories and different cultures of the Native American peoples and it comes across quite strong in those moments of discussion.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

As always Joseph Campbell stresses his own personal life philosophy of "Follow Your Bliss" time and time again. While reminding us that these infuential stories and myths are meant to guide and inform not dictate and enforce our life coices.

Any additional comments?

Truly a phenomenal work from an important scholar. I would recomend this to anyone, both academic professionals and those who are new to Joseph Campbell and critical thought of world mythology.

I've seen this as a special on PBS. The audio version is excellent - more powerful that watching for me, because I was able to think more as I listened. Wish more Joseph Campbell material was available on Audible!

The transcript of the interviews, published years ago, is inaccessable because of its form. This audio release is a much better venue for the material. Campbell is amazing, insightful and inspiring. No small feat without dogma or faith. Listen in the context of it's time, the 1970's, and don't get distracted by the Star Wars references. He show why the supernatural is unnecessary and the natural is super. Once you see the divinity of everything, you don't need the divine. Great read.

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Can't wait to hear more from this listener?

You can now follow your favorite reviewers on Audible.

When you follow another listener, we'll highlight the books they review, and even email* you a copy of any new reviews they write. You can un-follow a listener at any time to stop receiving their updates.

* If you already opted out of emails from Audible you will still get review emails by the listeners you follow.